Friday, June 27, 2014

Something I've wanted to do for a few years was to try my hand at track racing. I first saw the Kansas Velodrome (a grass track) at a Cyclocross event several years ago out a Joules CX. You know the place out by Lawrence, Kansas. Well I and my youngest son rolled out to visit Mark Thomas and the LocalCycling crew for a clinic. I was presented a loaner bike owned by the Kansas Velodrome Association. I added the Association for an official sound I'm not sure that is accurate but I like it. I received a few brief things important about the track bicycle ah, it is a fixed gear and you have not brakes and you should not stop peddling or it will or could hurt! Ha well that is true.

Mark took me around and explained all the aspects of the track. Where you can ride, how you are to ride in those areas and the purpose. I was allowed to ride around the track to get a good feel for of the bicycle and the track. Like many other cycling sports Safety track etiquette, tire pressure and bicycle set up are important. If you want to find out more about the Kansas Velodrome come on out to a clinic where you will get instructions on all the aspects of safety and track etiquette. Want to learn the history or more got to http://localcycling.com/index.php/kansas-city/2233-kansas-velodrome
Here are a few shots. By the way Track practice on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Need a loaner want to just try like me? Contact LocalCycling via http://localcycling.com/index.php/kansas-city

Thursday, June 19, 2014

All things new start off a bit slow but those who have been participating know the FUN you are not enjoying! I have been training on the MTB and Cyclocross bike out here at the Lone Elm Park for a few years. Nice secluded park low traffic (NONE) so while training this winter I thought this would be the perfect place to hold a MTB Short track event. Nice well bedded in gravel path that can sustain heavy traffic in all weather conditions. A vast area of grassy sections that the local high Schools run Cross country gave this area the perfect place to hold an event. With a sick mind for FUN I figured I could hold an event and not race/ride the same exact path each time. So far that is true. This past week June 18th I used the grassy infield in the likelihood more spectators would be there as in the past would give them just a bit more time to cheer there favorite rider on. With two sessions remaining and several MTB events coming up this is the perfect mid week tune up. July 2nd will have some fast flattish stretches with a nice hill climb to get you ready for Masons MidSummer Meltdown July 6th.

The final two days are July 2nd and July 16th.
Here are the results from the past 4 weeks.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

We did it! That sums up the great attitudes from the participants in the June 7th skills clinic. What seemed like the perfect storm for a rain out became the prime example of perseverance, determination and with out any doubt FUN! It was raining the morning of the clinic. Non the less rain or shine we can and will ride. As I set up base camp the lighting was tapering off and I could see per weather radar the threatening weather was gone. WHEW! We can ride. After gathering all the participants we had a little chat under the tent while a good burst of rain fell. After explaining the day and the expectations I gave all the option to ride or not, but I for sure was ready and so where they. I only took a few photos due to the rain.

The age range was 12-71. Tell me cycling is not for the young and older together. I know many people think I can or have been riding a bicycle for a long time and I know how to ride safely! Trust me I thought the same thing until I went through the clinic. The skills you learn in the basics is the starting line to the advanced skills that can come in handy on any solo or group ride. You will not only learn how to ride safely but how to avoid the possible accident which can ruin anyone's ride. One more basic clinic this summer July 27th. For you advanced riders the advanced clinic is July 13th. To participate in the advanced clinic you should know how to ride in a straight line, ride in your drops, how to avoid obstacles, how to look back and see what is behind you while riding a straight line.
Hope to ride with all of you sometime soon. Check out the SPIN! Pizza rides as we learn how to ride in a group and hopefully bring back the True nature of the Group ride!
Nice e-mail form two of the attendees.

Hi Michael,

Despite the rain Carla and I both got a lot out of your clinic this past Saturday. We rode Sunday and the gear shifting/hill technique finally clicked in for her! Even after 6 years of self-taught riding you showed me some great stuff not to mention the need to change some bad habits. Even with the $10 USAC day fee the clinic was a bargain! Highly recommend to anyone.

Best regards, Jim

Michael,

I want to say "Thanks" for the instruction Saturday. I think the information shared will be quite useful as I continue to develop as a cyclist. I look forward to attending your advanced class in July at which time I would like to discuss other steps I might take to reach my potential as a rider.

POWr Paypal Button

Michael BIO

Bio of Michael Ruder

AKA, RMR, MRL, Coach

Michael has been a sports enthusiast for many, many years. Started out in little league Football, Baseball and Wrestling. His football career lead him to be part of the Liberal Redskins Football team from ’79-’81 seasons with a State 5A runner up, State 5A Champions with an overall winning record of 21-2. Wrestling through Jr. High granted him 3 undefeated seasons.

Michael started cycling as a young man as a means to have fun and get around town. When living in Denver Colorado in 1986 he bought his first MTN. bike. He still has the 1986 Specialized Stump Jumper! More of a recreational rider Michael did not participate in any races but enjoyed riding the Mtn. passes with friends and as a commuter through the streets of Denver, Colorado.

Michael moved back to Kansas in 1989 to finish Collage at Wichita State University, where he studied Physical Education, Sports Science and Developmental Psychology. While attending WSU Michael started helping out as a Lifeguard, eventually granted a graduate assistantship in the Aquatics department where he became a leader of the lifeguard staff. Michael became the all-round American Red Cross Certified instructor in Lifeguard Training, CPR, and First Aid, WSI and even participated in the first ARC water Aerobics video. This is where Michael found his passion for teaching, mentoring and coaching.

Fast-forward many more years and you find Michael being asked to be part of a team for a triathlon. First he thought sure I will ride. I have been riding for years and should be able to do this. Ah they asked him to swim. Nice he can do that. He was not a runner, never had been. Finished that first team triathlon in 2004. This was Michael’s start of his multisport trip. Michael completed his first sprint Triathlon one month after the team event in 2004 with the Baptist Triathlon finishing 19th age group. Michael has completed distances from sprint to ½ Ironman distances with 8 top 10 finishes and a podium finish in 2008 with a 3rd place at the Jackson County Triathlon.

Michael is also a runner now. Two 5k events he entered he took 2nd place. Michael has also completed two 50k Ultra distance trail events and took 2nd age group At Psycho Wyco in 2010.

Michael Took 1st age group at Heritage Duathlon 2010, 8th overall.

Michael has been racing his rig since 2008 when he was introduced to Cyclocross. In 2008 Michael was asked if he was interested in being the VP of The Kansas City Bicycle Club knowing he would be the Race Team Chair. He said yes. In 2009 Michael was voted in as the VP of KCBC a seat he currently holds. Michael’s race resume reads like one crazy guy with no focus but lots of fun. In 2009 Michael had several top 10 finishes not bad for a new guy, CAT5, Road and CAT4, CX. The past few years have been growing, achieving and learning years. Michael Catted up in 2010 to CAT4 Road and CAT3 CX. In 2010 Michael took the podium with at 3rd place finish at Joules Cyclocross Masters 40+, and took 3rd Masters 40+ at the 2010 Kansas State Cyclocross Championship. In 2011 Michael raced CAT4 road and set out of the 2011 CX season to focus on coaching the KCBC Race team and to further his education by becoming a USA Cycling Official, USA Cycling level II coach and American Council of Exercise certified personal trainer. In 2012 Michael received his National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association certification, NESTA

The 2011 Road Season KCBC Race Team had produced the CAT 5 Road and Criterium Champion.

In the Masters division 55+ 8 podium finishes

In Cyclocross multiple podiums finishes and 20+ other top 10 finishes and the Kansas best all-round Cyclocross racer in Single Speed.

The 2012 Road Season KCBC Racing produced a Junior State Criterium Champion, The CAT 4 Kansas Best all-round Road Racer and other favorable finishes.

Testimonial from Race team member in 2009 annual banquet.

I’d like to take just a few minutes to talk about a man, who if you don’t know him, you should, and if you do know him, you’re glad you do. Michael Ruder

Vince Lombardi said:

“Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate. “Michael Ruder is that coach. For the last year, Michael has acted as Team leader, coach, recruiter, trainer, therapist, cheerleader, motivator, and most of all FRIEND. I’m sure that I can speak for the rest of the team in that Michael has helped me to become a better cyclist, competitor, and person.

A good coach will make his players see what they can berather than what they are.

Michael has a way of getting you to train within yourself, but compete outside of what you thought was possible.

Vince Lombardi also said:

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that’s what makes a team work.”